Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Larval identification

Posted by MikeJDavis on 12-03-2007 12:32
#1

Please help (it has been suggested that this is a hover fly larva.

1cm long; resident for at least two days between the door seals of our
car. Presumably fell from either ash or sycamore tree under which car is
normally parked. (Rochdale, UK)

In resting position, very flat; when disturbed, quite active moving in
ripples down the body. I'd draw your attention to an upward protuberance at the rear of the body, just under 1mm long.

I was tempted by some of the less moth species - but apart from the
colouration, it reminds me of some fly larvae, but those with which I am familiar are usually round, and not flat as in resting position.

Sorry about the quality of the photos, I just can't get that close, so
these are blow ups from minute image.

I can't seem to get the small jpg posted in preview so here's a link:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/watchman/417401000/

Thanks

Mike

Posted by Paul Beuk on 12-03-2007 12:43
#2

It's a syrphid larva. If I am not mistaken Epistrophe eligans.

Posted by MikeJDavis on 12-03-2007 16:35
#3

Brilliant!

Thank you so much. What a wonderful site this is!

Now I've got to get some macro gear - my old Leica had bellows. But I need to get up to speed with digital.

Mike